Question 1

Is Colombia Safe? My Essential 2026 Safety Advice

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes, Colombia is safe but you do have to stay completely aware of your surroundings. I was quite nervous before arriving so I actually left all of my jewellery including my engagement ring back home in the UK because it was not worth the risk. Petty theft like phone snatching happens a lot in busy city areas. The best local advice we learned is the famous Colombian phrase "no dar papaya," which translates to "do not give papaya". This basically means you should not make yourself an easy target by flashing electronics, jewellery or walking around with your phone out.

When we checked into our hostel in Medellin the staff gave us a physical map highlighting which streets/areas to avoid at all times and told us never to walk around any area, even the ones they said are safe during the day, past 6pm. We stuck to Uber at night, kept our electronics in our bags and found the local people to be incredibly welcoming throughout our 3 weeks in Colombia.

Question 2

How to Get Around Colombia

Accepted Answer

Getting around Colombia is super easy and you can book everything online using Busbud or Skyscanner. For long distances between cities like Medellin and Cartagena you can book a domestic flight if you are short on time or just do not fancy a 16 hour overnight bus.

Internal flights are reasonable, we paid just £50 each for our flight to Medellin from San Gil and even our international flight out to Ecuador was not that much more than the long bus journey despite booking it only five days before. Otherwise you can book buses for super cheap. Depending on the journey time but estimate around £20 per person. I would personally always choose the buses if you are on a budget as not only is it cheaper than the flights but it also saves a night on accommodation.

Between Minca and Santa Marta you will use the local "green" buses. Be prepared as these buses are not comfortable like the large overnight buses. The drivers refuse to leave until every single seat is full so you will literally be touching legs with the person next to you. On the journey my seat was completely broken so I could not lean back without falling into the person behind me. There is no breathing room inside so your bags have to go up on the roof.

Between Santa Marta, Tayrona and Palomino you will get on a shared colectivo. They come every 5 minutes and you can flag them down from anywhere on the side of the road. You literally just shout at the driver when you want to get off and he just pulls over which is very different to the UK but so handy because you never have to walk far.